The next step
Yet again I’m in a holding pattern.
I applied for the job of Interpretive Specialist at both Refugio State Beach and La Purisima Mission. I have yet to hear back from either, but I’m hopeful. Interpretive Specialist for California State Parks is a job that bridges the gap between Docent (a knowledgeable trained volunteer) and Ranger ( a job that is more and more becoming just a law enforcement role.) Basically you create/plan/organize/ and run all of the educational programs within the park. Of course that doesn’t mean you run ALL the hikes, the campfires and the children’s crafts; you run some, then find experts (docents or rangers) to run the rest. Sounds pretty sweet right?
Well it has a few problems. It’s a seasonal position; the max you’re aloud to work is 9 months out of a year, and you’re likely to only work summer. Also at Refugio you’re guaranteed 32 hours a week, and at Purisima it drops down to only 24 hours a week. The final nail in the coffin is the fact it only pays 10.50 an hour :-(.
One of the requirements for the job is that you have an AA or BA.. opps… but when I applied they were thinking of extending the deadline to get more candidates. I guess not a lot of folks with degrees are willing to work for so little, not while paying rent in Santa Barbara County. So I think I have a really good chance, plus I talked to the woman who was promoted out of the position; she REALLY wants me to get the job and has made sure to put in a good word for me around the office.
Why leave a steady job that pays 12$ an hour, where I could get health benefits (just gotta fill out the paperwork at this point) and I’m likely to score a ton of overtime during the summer?
There’s really no promotional opportunities for me here. I’m the youngest one in the park by over 20 years. The only thing I really enjoy about this gig is getting to talk to the guests and tell them about the central coast… all the other stuff drives me nuts. After two seasons of experience with Interpretation, I become eligible for a full time, full benefit position with the government. As long as I’m willing to move to another district at least 2 or three of those jobs open up each year. Sometimes you have to take a step back to take a step forward.
I’ll need to find another source of income though, but I think I can handle that.
If Creighton gets into Fire Academy this August it’ll make things even tougher. But if theater has thought me anything, you don’t change your plans for the future to better fit your lovers plans… all roads will eventually cross again anyway.
That’s all for now folks
:-)
I applied for the job of Interpretive Specialist at both Refugio State Beach and La Purisima Mission. I have yet to hear back from either, but I’m hopeful. Interpretive Specialist for California State Parks is a job that bridges the gap between Docent (a knowledgeable trained volunteer) and Ranger ( a job that is more and more becoming just a law enforcement role.) Basically you create/plan/organize/ and run all of the educational programs within the park. Of course that doesn’t mean you run ALL the hikes, the campfires and the children’s crafts; you run some, then find experts (docents or rangers) to run the rest. Sounds pretty sweet right?
Well it has a few problems. It’s a seasonal position; the max you’re aloud to work is 9 months out of a year, and you’re likely to only work summer. Also at Refugio you’re guaranteed 32 hours a week, and at Purisima it drops down to only 24 hours a week. The final nail in the coffin is the fact it only pays 10.50 an hour :-(.
One of the requirements for the job is that you have an AA or BA.. opps… but when I applied they were thinking of extending the deadline to get more candidates. I guess not a lot of folks with degrees are willing to work for so little, not while paying rent in Santa Barbara County. So I think I have a really good chance, plus I talked to the woman who was promoted out of the position; she REALLY wants me to get the job and has made sure to put in a good word for me around the office.
Why leave a steady job that pays 12$ an hour, where I could get health benefits (just gotta fill out the paperwork at this point) and I’m likely to score a ton of overtime during the summer?
There’s really no promotional opportunities for me here. I’m the youngest one in the park by over 20 years. The only thing I really enjoy about this gig is getting to talk to the guests and tell them about the central coast… all the other stuff drives me nuts. After two seasons of experience with Interpretation, I become eligible for a full time, full benefit position with the government. As long as I’m willing to move to another district at least 2 or three of those jobs open up each year. Sometimes you have to take a step back to take a step forward.
I’ll need to find another source of income though, but I think I can handle that.
If Creighton gets into Fire Academy this August it’ll make things even tougher. But if theater has thought me anything, you don’t change your plans for the future to better fit your lovers plans… all roads will eventually cross again anyway.
That’s all for now folks
:-)